Near Escalation: Israel Came Close to Striking Iran Twice
1/12/2026 3:19:00 PM
Former head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate Tamir Hayman revealed that Israel nearly launched an attack on Iran twice in recent weeks due to a miscalculation.
Speaking in a radio interview, Hayman said Iran’s preparations for a potential strike created an “inevitable coordination” between Israel and the United States, noting that “U.S. moves toward Iran are already underway.” He said future steps could range from deception and influence operations to cyberattacks, special operations, or even open war, depending on developments.
Hayman stressed that “there is no neutral position at present,” referring to an “active U.S. influence campaign already in place.” He added that scenarios previously considered unlikely have now become possible, explaining that as long as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains in power, a full-scale Iranian strike on Israel is unlikely due to his traditionally cautious leadership style.
However, he warned that “if a more audacious leader backed by the Revolutionary Guard emerges, strategic calculations could change.”
Speaking in a radio interview, Hayman said Iran’s preparations for a potential strike created an “inevitable coordination” between Israel and the United States, noting that “U.S. moves toward Iran are already underway.” He said future steps could range from deception and influence operations to cyberattacks, special operations, or even open war, depending on developments.
Hayman stressed that “there is no neutral position at present,” referring to an “active U.S. influence campaign already in place.” He added that scenarios previously considered unlikely have now become possible, explaining that as long as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains in power, a full-scale Iranian strike on Israel is unlikely due to his traditionally cautious leadership style.
However, he warned that “if a more audacious leader backed by the Revolutionary Guard emerges, strategic calculations could change.”